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How the Patriots defenders became the Flight Boys... and links!

Ian Rapoport Tuesday, December 07, 2010

The Patriots did little talking before last night's game, and they did far less afterward. That, of course, is no surprise.

But there were two moments last night when the Patriots let their guard down. Two moments when they realized they were still kids, that they weren't that thrilled with the Jets brash ways. But you had to be paying attention to catch it.

After rookie CB Devin McCourty picked off Jets QB Mark Sanchez in the second half, he extended his arms and mocked flying around like an airplane. Or, ya know, a Jet. You can see that right here.

When safety James Sanders (pictured) had the game's final pick, he did the same thing, zooming around the field. What was that?

That's the celebration usually performed by Jets receivers such as Santonio Holmes and Braylon Edwards, as this article in the NY Daily News tells you. They call themselves "Flight Boys," and there are T-shirts made. So yes, the Patriots mocked the Jets' celebration at the end of a 42-point butt-whupping.

It wasn't trash-talking, but it was something. After the game, McCourty talked about the 'D' giving up three points and got to the celebrations.

"Those were big," McCourty said. "That's your goal as a defense. No matter what the stats are, it's all about how many points an offense scores. To give up three points is big. We were excited about it, and that's why you see a lot of guys having fun out there (with the celebrations)."

Now, better late than never, check out the coverage in today's Boston Herald:

-- This is my game story, detailing how the Patriots put themselves in great position to be home for the playoffs.